THE OMICRON VARIANT is now estimated to make up 52% of Ireland’s confirmed cases of Covid-19.

It comes as a further 5,124 new cases have been confirmed by public health officials.

As of 8am today, 436 people were in hospital with the virus, and 107 are in intensive care.

Yesterday, 7,333 new cases were confirmed, a total of 420 Covid-19 patients were in hospital and 105 people were in ICU.

Meanwhile, the Taoiseach has said there are “no plans” at present for a December 30 meeting with NPHET to decide on new public health measures. 

Their next meeting will instead be on January 6. 

“There are no plans for a December 30 meeting, no nuclear buttons,” a spokesperson for Michéal Martin told The Journal.

Martin and Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan spoke this morning and agreed “to keep monitoring the situation”. 

“There are no guarantees, and they will keep monitoring the situation, but they are heartened with booster progress,” the spokesperson said. 

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health warned earlier about the ease with which the Omicron variant is spreading: “It has taken less than two weeks for Omicron to become the dominant strain of COVID-19 in Ireland, revealing just how transmissible this variant is. 

 “We have slowed transmission of this disease in the past using our basic measures and responding immediately if symptomatic – it is extremely important we do everything we can to flatten the curve of this wave now to prevent unnecessary deaths, risk to the vulnerable and to protect our health service. 

“I urge anyone eligible for a booster to available of it at the earliest opportunity. 

 “If the majority of us can now reduce our social contact, meet others outdoors, work from home unless absolutely necessary, ensure the appropriate use of face masks, avoid crowds and keep indoors well ventilated. Very importantly if you have any COVID-19 symptoms self-isolate immediately and arrange a PCR test, if you are a close contact of a confirmed case please restrict your movements.”